Full of ancient lore and legend, the city of Heraklion on the Greek island of Crete is steeped in history.

Inhabited for over 10,000 years, Crete holds a special place in Greek mythology and was an influential location in the evolution of Hellenic civilization.

A highlight of your visit to Heraklion will be touring the ruins of the Minoan Palace of Knossos, believed to contain the original Labyrinth of the Minotaur and a staggering 3,700 years old. But more contemporary pleasures also lie in store for our vacationing cruise guests too.

Your luxury cruise liner will dock in the modern cruise ship terminal and history fans in particular should note that Heraklion is one destination on your Mediterranean cruise vacation that is not be missed!

Of note is the outstanding Archaeological Museum, one of the best in Greece. Visitors will find a fascinating mix of architectural styles in both Heraklion and the surrounding villages, ranging from Byzantine to Moorish; under the warm Grecian sun you can stroll the pretty streets of villages such as Rethymnon or Fodele, birthplace of the legendary 16th century painter, El Greco. Situated nine miles outside Heraklion is the recently-opened Crete aquarium: here you can help children balance balance ancient attractions with modern-day distractions!

Culture, food, wine, legends, mythology and fun – Heraklion boasts a gloriously rich array of activities to suit all tastes and interests.

We invite you to join one of our excursion packages and benefit from attractive sightseeing deals to help you make the most of your stay in Heraklion.